7 Day Southern Circle

ITINERARY

• Highlights: Pick up your rental car on arrival at Christchurch Airport.
  Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the city. You'll enjoy the tree-lined pathways of Hagley Park, the vibrant Botanic Gardens, perhaps a punt on the Avon River and a stroll through the funky new retail shopping precinct in the city centre.

• Highlights: Cross the farming patchwork of Canterbury Plains, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook National Park spectacular Aoraki/Mount Cook, NZ's highest peak & azure Lake Pukaki. Pass through the rugged Kawarau Gorge then through the vast vineyards of the Gibbston Valley to reach the resort town of Queenstown.
  Please note that the "hotel" option stays at nearby historic Arrowtown.
  Christchurch to Mount Cook driving time: approx. 4 hours, 40 mins
  Mount Cook to Queenstown driving time: approx. 3 hours, 30 mins
  

• Highlights: Free day in Queenstown for adventure or leisure. Perhaps experience lake cruising, river jetboating, Lord of the Rings tour, winery tour, guided walks or tandem skydiving....
  Take the Queenstown Skyline Gondola for spectacular lake and mountain views, with delicious buffet dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant. (included).
  
  

• Highlights: Your chance to experience spectacular Milford Sound on a full day trip from Queenstown. Travel by luxury coach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the lakeside town of Te Anau, before heading in to the magnificent Fiordland National Park. Plenty of photo opportunities along the way. At Milford Sound experience a 2.5 hour in-depth nature cruise of this amazing fiord. Return to Queenstown lake afternoon (day trip included)

• Highlights: Travel to Dunedin this morning. Visit the sparkling Dunedin harbour, home to rare albatross and yellow eyed penguins, as well as vibrant university city, cafes & architecture. Gracious Larnach Castle is a popular option, as is the historic Taieri Gorge Railway scenic journey.
  Queenstown to Dunedin driving time: approx. 3 hours, 50 mins
  

• Highlights: Visit the mysterious Moeraki Boulders, historic seaside Oamaru town with it's distinctive stone architecture and Timaru on the shores of Caroline Bay en route. Once in Christchurch perhaps take an evening ride on the beautifully restored restaurant tram for a special last night dining experience.
  Rural Home Stay Option
  This evening you have the option of staying with a local family on a country property to experience rural New Zealand first hand. Please request a the time of booking. Surcharge applies.
  Dunedin to Christchurch driving time: approx. 5 hours

• Highlights: If your flight time permits, a visit to the International Antarctic Visitor Centre is very worthwhile before you drop off your rental car near Christchurch Airport on departure.